Germany v Argentina: Old Enemies

On the face of it the Argentina Holland semi-final yesterday seemed tight, however, with both sides having 8 shots on goal and balanced possession, the match could have gone either way after 120 minutes.

With a lack of world class creativity, we saw the game conclude as many others have this World Cup, via a penalty shoot out.

This was all very disappointing for master tactician Van Gaal who watched his Dutch goal keeper, who has never saved a penalty, ever, take every ball out of the net.

Sunday's final against Germany is likely to depend on Argentina weathering the early storm from Germany and on Messi finally giving a World Cup performance that his stature in the game deserves. The eccentric Argentinian coach Alejandro Sabella said in an interview after yesterday's game 'Messi was our water in the desert', lets hope goals for Argentina aren't a mirage and that they materlialise, otherwise Germany could give them some of that good old Brazilian medicine called 'seven one'.

Germany's morale is still at an all time high after humiliating the hosts 7-1 two days ago.

An early opener from top scorer Thomas Muller was the stepping stone for yesterday's plethora of goals.

Their patient, well thought out plays ran rings around the Brazilian defense and without Brazilian skipper Thiago Silva, Brazil's back four did not stand a chance without him.

Argentina's Lionel Messi will find it hard to get past the German wall. Argentina's back four do contain some experienced defenders in Zabaleta, but will they be able to defend against the likes of Klose or Muller? They could find themselves lacking in the speed to withstand Germany's quick thinking and movement.

Both teams seem are likely to see themselves as contenders for the trophy but with Germany firing on all cylinders and a strong back four, Argentina will need to produce their best game of their last 3 World Cups against Germany on Sunday.